The standard for project management

A3.12 LARGE SCALE SCRUM (LeSS)

Large Scale Scrum (LeSS) is a framework for organizing several development teams toward a common goal extending 

the Scrum method shown in Figure A3-6. The core organizing principle is to retain as much as possible of the elements 

of the conventional single-team Scrum model. This helps minimize any extensions to the model that might create 

unnecessary confusion or complexity. Table A3-6 shows a comparison of LeSS and Scrum.

Table A3-6. Comparison of LeSS and Scrum

In order to extend Scrum without losing its essence, LeSS promotes the use of certain discerning principles, such as 

systems thinking, whole product focus, transparency, and others.

Similarities of LeSS and Scrum

LeSS Techniques Added to Scrum

One single product backlog

One definition of done for all teams

One potentially shippable product increment 

at the end of each sprint

One product owner

Complete, cross-functional teams

One sprint

Sprint planning is more formally divided into 

two parts of what and how

Organic cross-team coordination

Overall cross-team refinement

Overall retrospective focused on cross-team 

improvements

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